WDMS Animal Therapy Program

Great morning having Green-Fields students visit the Animal Therapy Program. The best part was Mr. Corbitt, one of the most dedicated and caring principals, joined in the fun of encouraging his current students in experiencing what the middle school transition & the excitement as all about 😊

Rest easy to our sweet rescued hedgehog, Bandit. He was rescued by our program from a horrible situation and was shown so much love & support by our students.

Although loss is challenging, it is an opportunity to capitalize on teaching our students to value their efforts, and adopt appropriate grief processing skills that they’ll face, if they haven’t already, throughout their lives. Dedication and commitment is immensely rewarding, and simultaneously challenging. Teaching that in a safe and dedicated space is paramount to social/emotional intelligence.

Bandit will be truly missed and valued by all who loved him so much. No creature is too small to make a tremendous impact on our lives, especially those of our developing students while they find their own ability to be empathetic in their community.

Ms. Laura Houston, Executive Director of the Animal Welfare Association, took time out of her schedule to attend presentations from a handful of our most dedicated students in an effort to explore ways to collaborate, expand our program, and reach more students, while simultaneously supporting a community need. Ms. Huston presented innovative ideas after hearing our students present, and with her collaboration, we are thrilled to announce there will be upcoming opportunities & clubs for our students to enhance our mission of fostering development of empathy, community impact, and mental health awareness!